THERAPEUTIC HYPOTHERMIA IN ASPHYXIATED NEWBORNS

Through the results of large randomized-controlled trials of therapeutic hypothermia in asphyxiated newborns in the past (treacle, neuroprotection outgrew inconsistent laboratory success. Therapeutic hypothermia represents the-state-of-the-art in intensive care treatment of newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. This is a time-locked, active intervention within first Jew days of life, with the aim of reducing mortality, and preventing or decreasing neurodevelopmental sequels of hypoxic brain damage. Moderate hypothermia, if initiated within 6 hours of asphyxia, reduces mortality and neurodevelopmental disability by 25%-30%, and compared to standard treatment, improves survival without cerebral palsy or other disability by nearly 40%. The exact mechanism of hypothermia lop damage reduction in developing hi con has not yet been fully clarified. It affects the cascade of oxidative-exitotoxic events of neuronal degradation, which unfolds through several phases and includes various mechanisms. Current research aims to augment the effect of hypothermia, possibly by delineating the time sequence of posthypoxic biochemical cascade. Neuro-protection should thus eventually imply a certain zcocktail' of hypothermia and yet undefined, probably pharmacological agents. Here we provide a brief overview of evidence for therapeutic hypothermia and current clinical management of asphyxiated infant based on the protocols used in randomized controlled trials.